Fade Into You

Chapter 21

Faye's POV

"Faye?"

A distant voice called my name, but I couldn't pull myself out of my thoughts—not when they were entirely consumed by Jonathan. I couldn't shake him from my head, and on top of that, Jake's words from last night kept looping through my brain.

Should I talk to him?

What would I even say?

Hey Jonathan, guess what? I finally figured out why you're obsessed with murdering my older brother. Turns out, it's all because of your ex-girlfriend, Sara. Yeah, Jake told me everything. So, how does it feel to be played? Hurts, doesn't it?

Yeah, no. Saying that would only make me feel like crap afterward. But then again—why am I even this worked up about it?

I don't need to talk to him. I don't owe him anything. So why the hell should I—

"Faye!"

I jumped, startled by the sharp voice that yanked me out of my head.

Suddenly, I was back at the breakfast table with my family, my plate half-eaten and my fingers cold around my coffee cup. Mom was glaring at me from across the table, her voice laced with irritation.

"Yes?" I muttered, blinking at her.

"Finish your coffee. It's getting cold," she said curtly before taking a sip from her own cup.

I held back an eye-roll and pushed my chair back, making a bit of a scene as the legs scraped against the tile floor. 

Everyone looked up at me, but it was Mom's disapproving stare that lingered—her eyes scanning my outfit like I was an embarrassment.

"Actually, I'm done. I'm heading to school early. May I be excused?"

Dad gave a silent nod, and without another word, I walked out of the house, got into my car, and drove off.

My thoughts were spiraling—Jonathan, Jake, Sara. My mind felt like a crowded room with no doors, no way out. I hated how much space they all occupied in my head. It was exhausting.

I pulled into the school parking lot, cut the engine, slammed the door shut, and tossed my backpack over my shoulder. The sky was overcast, matching the mood that had taken over my morning.

At my locker, I grabbed the books I needed for first and second period, shut the door, and turned—only to stop dead in my tracks.

A few steps ahead of me, standing in front of his locker, was Jonathan.

His back was to me, but I'd recognize that stance anywhere. That tall, athletic build. The slight slouch in his shoulders. The same one I used to lean into when I felt safe.

Now, all I felt was a storm of nerves bubbling up in my stomach.

I was just about to take a step forward when someone blocked my view—a burst of blonde and too much cologne.

"Hello, Faye."

I blinked and looked up. Andy. Of course.

"Oh, hey Andy," I replied, offering a small smile.

He crossed his arms and frowned, tilting his head like he was inspecting me.

"You look... tense. Everything alright?"

I quickly tore my gaze away from Jonathan and forced myself to focus.

"What? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Totally good. Why?"

He shrugged casually. 

"Just curious. You seem kinda... on edge these days."

I nodded, barely hearing him. From the corner of my eye, I caught Kaycee heading toward us—and behind her, a new face followed at a slow, observant pace.

Kaycee reached me and grabbed my wrist like it was urgent.

"We have a new girl today. Senior. Mrs. Boyd asked me to show her around, but she's taking her sweet time soaking everything in."

I leaned against my locker and looked past her. The new girl was short—maybe 5 feet tall—with light caramel skin and black, shoulder-length wavy hair. 

She wore black leather pants, a black tank top, matching leather jacket, black boots, and a thin red scarf draped around her neck like she was in a movie or something.

"Why's everyone smiling at her?" Andy asked.

"Probably because they know her," Kaycee said. "She mentioned she started freshman year here before moving out of town. Said she's a part-time actress, too."

We all watched her scan the hallway with wide eyes until she suddenly froze. Her gaze locked onto someone—and when I followed the direction she was staring, I felt my chest tighten.

She was staring at Jonathan.

And then she walked—no, hurried—toward him, stopping right in front of him. The hallway around them faded into background noise as they stared at each other like time had stopped.

Jonathan looked stunned, like he'd seen a ghost.

Then, without warning, she threw her arms around him.

And worse?

He hugged her back.

Not just a polite hug. It was tight. Familiar. Emotional.

Like they hadn't seen each other in years.

"Whoa. When did that happen?" Andy muttered beside me.

"Tell me about it," Kaycee said, her voice filled with confusion. "I didn't even know they knew each other."

She turned to me, brows furrowed. 

"Faye, you okay? You look kind of... weird."

Weird didn't even begin to cover it. I was frozen. Shaken. Jealous? Angry? All of it?

I grabbed her arm and whispered urgently, "Wh-what's her name?"

Kaycee turned to glance at the girl again, then looked back at me.

"Sara."